Bikes on Buses
Your guide to bringing your bike with you across the north east!
Whether you're hitting the trails, exploring the north east, or bringing your bike with you for part of your trip to work, we've got everything you need to know about taking your bike on the bus in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Travelling by Bike and Rail? We've got the details here: Getabout… by Rail | Getabout
Bike Racks Now Available - 201/202/X35/35
26 brand new bike racks have been installed on buses serving two key routes across the northeast of Scotland.
The new facilities will be available on double-decked buses serving the 201/202 bus route, which connects Aberdeen (Union Square) to Braemar and the 35/X35 which connects Aberdeen to Elgin via Macduff along the coast. Both routes are operated by Stagecoach.
If you're looking for inspiration for a trip around Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray, we've got a map of the routes, which shows National Cycle Network Route 1.
The initiative is a collaborative effort, jointly funded by Regional Transport Partnerships Nestrans (through People and Place Funding) and Hitrans, Aberdeenshire Council, and the Cairngorms National Park Authority through their Cairngorms 2030 programme, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Stagecoach have led the installation and certification of the racks. Aberdeenshire Council has coordinated the project among the various partners, including support from Moray Council.
In addition to the current bike racks, the project will soon expand into Aviemore in the coming months and is part of a broader vision to expand bicycle access and improve integration with public transport, including plans for secure cycle parking and other bike-friendly options in the region.
For timetables and to find out more, visit Stagecoach North Scotland
Using the Racks
Which routes have bike racks available?
The racks are available on Stagecoach routes 201/202/X35 and 35 routes
You can view a map of the routes which lets you explore some of Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray's finest places with your bike in tow.
Live Bus Map
Most double-decker buses running on the 201/202/X35/35 routes have bike racks, but sometimes a different bus may need to be used (for example, during maintenance). You can check the live bus tracking map here for real-time updates - just tap or click on the vehicle numbers to show if a bike rack is fitted on the bus.
How many bikes can fit on each bus?
Each bus has space for two standard bicycles (including mountain bikes). Simply put your bike on the rack and secure it with the strap provided.
Do I need to book?
No reservations needed - just hop on and secure your bike for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
What about wheelchairs and buggies?
Each bus is equipped to ensure wheelchair access remains and the bike space can easily convert back to space for prioritised buggies or additional seats, so everyone can travel comfortably.
Aberdeen to Dundee X7 Coastrider
On Stagecoach's X7 route which connects Aberdeen to Dundee, bike racks are available in the hold of the coach. Two bikes can be stored securely on the rack, with space for other bikes, unsecured, available in the hold.
This operates on a first come first served basis, with no reservation needed.
Bikes with First Bus and Ember
Ember
Travelling with Ember? You can reserve a bike space when booking your ticket (folding bikes need not be booked).
Bikes will either be carried onboard or in the hold, with wheelchairs taking priority over bikes on-board (bikes can be moved to the hold if required). For full details, see 'Onboard Experience' in Ember's FAQ section.
First Bus
Folding bicycles are welcome on board First Bus services, provided they are folded and stored in an appropriate space. Standard non-folding bikes cannot be carried on First Buses at this time. For full details see First Bus's page on accessibility.
Bike Cover Pilot - Coming Soon!
In partnership with Nestrans, through Transport Scotland's People and Place Programme, we will be piloting a new bike cover project.
These 'sock-style' covers will be piloted on certain routes not covered by the bike racks. The protective cover is designed to wrap around a bike to help stop mud/oil or debris from the bike from covering the interior of the coach hold. It also reduces the risk of damage to other luggage in the hold.